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| Goodbye Trogir |
Trogir Croatia
Saturday 29th
August 2015
For
once there was no alarm in the morning which meant I got a bit of a lie in.
This was the day I would return home but my flight was at 9pm so I still had
pretty much all day to kill as I packed my bag the previous night. So I got up
and changed but then a thought came across wondering what time I had to be out
of my room as I had no idea. So I had to try and find a way to figure it out
though it wasn’t really the end of the world. I decided to head down and out
for the bakers again and when I headed down the stairs to the reception, the
manager was sitting down talking to his friend. I asked him what time the check
out was and he said 10:30am. I thanked him and moved on heading for the bakers.
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| View from My Room |
Along the way I was thinking about what to do
to put my time in and I then thought it would be a good idea to go to Split. However, food came
first so I arrived at the bakers getting the usual pastry and then made my way
to the big supermarket across the road. I entered inside grabbing a few things
constantly reminding myself of the price difference. It was quite funny when I
picked up some Pringles and seen that the tag said 24.99 Kuna (£2.99). I left
with my things and headed back to the market area to have a quick look to see
if I missed anything; I did and bought a few more things. I eventually returned
to my room after wandering the town again and packed the items away for my
departure. Once I did that I looked at the time and seen I had an hour left. So
I thought it would be a good time to make sure I had everything and then rest.
I also decided to count how much money I had left thinking I would be down to
my last pennies but for once it wasn’t. I still had about £260 worth so I was
well alright. I was thinking it had gone a long way the money I did spend on excursions
and gifts as well as good food at night and felt as though I saved money on
breakfast and dinner. It was also a weird feeling knowing that I was returning
home after what seemed to be a very long week. Though the way I had seen it, if
I think a week has seemed long, then I had a great time.
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| Villa Ruzica |
Anyway
it was time to leave so I picked up all my belongings having one last look in
the room and then closing the door behind me. I was quite heavy footed going
downstairs with all my gear but I eventually reached the bottom. As I got
there, the manager wasn’t there so I had to leave the keys with the cleaners. I
left Villa Ruzica for the last time as I headed south to the harbour and across
the southern bridge hoping the ferry to Split was still there. It was thank the
lord as I headed straight for it. There was no rush though as they were still
boarding a lot of passengers so in no time at all I was joining the small
queue. I could see the seats were running out but in the back right corner,
there was a lot of space and I kept muttering to myself saying that’s my spot.
I climbed aboard and I managed to squeeze passed everyone with my big rucksack
and finally got my spot. We were waiting for a while as the boat was full of
people and they were running out of space. Luckily though there was another
ferry arriving and all the people who were going to Slatine had to get off and
go onto that ferry. This meant we didn’t have to go to Slatine but instead head
straight for Split.
A
short time had passed and we finally got under way as the sun was shining
bright. A long time had passed trundling along until we were nearing Split and I noticed a lot
of small sailing boats across the sea close to us and far away which looked
incredible. We were finally approaching Split
and then we moored up. I took my time to get off as everyone was trying to get
off at once. I noticed half the passengers were carrying their rucksacks and
luggage too; I thought I would be the only one. Anyway, I stepped off the ferry
heading straight to the centre of Split.
It was dinner time at that point so I walked to a random restaurant which made
pizza. Plus they had big fans and spraying water which was a bonus. I sat down
and ordered a tuna pizza forgetting how large it was going to be. When it arrived,
it was a whole 12 inch pizza which hadn’t been cut. So I spent the next 5
minutes trying to cut through the pizza cutting it into manageable proportions.
I dug right in wolfing the first half down and then I began to slow down as I
was starting to get full. Somehow there was still room in my belly to finish
the rest off. I paid and eventually left but really I just wanted to fall
asleep like a lion after it has eaten a whole zebra.
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| Sailing Boats |
I
carried on though looking for a sweet shop; somehow I managed to find one
hiding within the maze like narrow streets. It was a small shop which wasn’t
good for my big turtle shell of a rucksack behind me so as I walked in I had to
watch where I was going so I wouldn’t turn into a bull in a china shop. The
small shop was fantastic with many varieties of sweets and chocolates all
different shapes, sizes and colours which all looked mouth watering. So I
grabbed paper bags and filled them up without a care in the world. The whole
lot came to about 69 Kuna which was a bargain I thought as I left surprisingly
without knocking anything over. My next plan was to head to the park to the
north and sit near the water fountain where the majority of the park was
covered in trees.
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| Split Park |
When
I got there it looked quite busy already but I found a free spot in the shade
where I placed my heavy rucksack down and sat upright against the tree watching
pigeons getting chased away by kids and sometimes adults. I spent a long time
in the park enjoying the slight peace but then I had to get moving otherwise I
would have fallen asleep and miss my flight back home. I headed passed the
Ninskog statue one more time as I rubbed his golden toe for luck. Then I walked
through the main gateway to the palace area with the monstrous bell tower set
in the middle. I also took a slow walk around looking at a few shops just to
pass the time. My rucksack was feeling heavier and heavier each step I was
taking so I headed for the harbour front to see if I could find a shady spot
behind a tree or bush.
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| Split |
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| Split |
Along
the way I had seen the funniest thing during my time in Croatia. I was
walking behind an old man who wore a red T-shirt and red shorts but the funny
part was the fact that he had a very long bushy white beard whilst wearing a
Santa hat. I was trying not to laugh but I couldn’t believe what I had seen.
Then I laughed some more at the fact I was walking along side him with my big
red rucksack and a green top which looked as though I was one of his elves.
Anyway, we parted ways and then I had noticed the heat was rising at that point
so I headed for an ice cream shop. I caved in and bought a slushy; it was like Antarctica in a cup and it was great. I had eventually
arrived at the harbour front trying to find a spot in the shade but it was that
busy, every shady spot was taking except for one right behind a huge palm tree.
I think rubbing the golden toe really did bring luck as I claimed the area as
mine. I sat and relaxed as the world went by watching on at boats coming in and
out relaxing and then a stupid pigeon decided to crap on me. Great I thought
wiping it away and cursing the bird; of all spots to hit, it had to be there
and then.
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| Split Harbour Area |
I
checked the time once more and thought it would be a good time to make my way
back to Trogir so I picked myself up and my heavy belongings and walked back
over to the Buraline ferry. I was amongst the first lot of people to queue up
when the captain said that they weren’t boarding until 3:30pm. It was about
3:10pm at the time so I threw my bags down again and sat at the edge of the dock
as there was a big gap between me and the ferry. A short moment later, I was
back on my feet as it was time to climb aboard. I received my ticket for one
last time and luckily enough I managed to be at the same spot as on the way. So
I placed my bags next to me in the back right corner watching everyone board
the ferry. Yet again the ferry was heading straight for Trogir which I was
happy about. The other ferry next to us was taking the other passengers to
Slatine again and once we were ready, we both set off together.
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| Split Harbour |
As
soon as we left the harbour area of Split,
it seemed as though both ferries were racing each other quite close as well. It
was quite fun to be honest as it was pretty much neck and neck for a while
until the other ferry had to turn for Slatine which left us on our own for the
duration of the journey. I was savouring all the views as it would be the last
time I would witness them watching planes taking off and landing in the
distance and speed boats passing us across the calm waters. Before I knew it we
were approaching Trogir and had soon moored up. So on went my rucksack and
cramming in to get off the ferry. As soon as I was off, I headed across the
southern bridge back onto the island. I walked into the park area to the east
of the island as I dropped my bags again whilst I sat looking at the view of
the calm blue sea behind a group of palm trees. I spent a while admiring the
views trying to pass the time until I got up and had one last look around the
town. I headed along the harbour front admiring the huge yachts and island
hopping cruise vessels. I then headed around the narrow streets at the centre
passing my apartment and then through the gateway to the north crossing the
bridge heading through the market area and then back onto the island.
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| Leaving Split |
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| Trogir Harbour |
I
walked back to the harbour front heading to the southern bridge as there was a
taxi rank there. Luckily I could see one taxi left so I headed straight for it.
The driver had seen me coming and got out of his taxi opening the boot. He
could pretty much tell where I was going and after placing my rucksack in the
boot, we were heading straight for the airport. We were talking to each other
along the way about where I had been in Croatia and Bosnia as well as telling
him about my previous trips; it passed the time too as we were approaching the
airport. I got out grabbing my bags and then the driver gave me a high five/hand
shake wishing me safe travels.
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| Trogir |
I
walked into the airport and happily enough, it wasn’t huge like the ones I was
used to; it was pretty straight forward to find where I needed to be. I could
see the baggage drop off for all flights to the right of me so I headed for it.
There was no queue so I headed straight for the desk without the hassle of
waiting. I told the woman where I was going and what time my flight was and she
told me that the flight wasn’t ready for preparation yet so I would have to go
back again in an hour or so for it to be ready. So I grabbed my heavy things
and headed upstairs where it was a bit quieter. I did what everyone else was
doing and laid against a glass barrier and on the floor whilst waiting. I was
getting really bored so I just watched on at people going by me and also
looking down at the arrivals hall watching people getting escorted to buses or
taxis thinking that it was me 1 week ago. Time went on still bored until
finally it was time to head back to the baggage drop off.
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| Split Airport |
There
was a small queue this time which wasn’t too bad and I was soon getting seen to
again. I showed the man my boarding pass and passport and then I placed my
rucksack on the belt watching it disappear behind the rubber flaps. I had my
documents returned to me and I was soon heading for customs. I literally flew
through customs as I had nothing to hide and soon arrived at the departure
lounge. Surprisingly there was one more bit to get past and it was passport
control. I had my passport ready to show the woman and once I gave it to her;
she said my name and asked me where I was travelling to looking serious; I said
Newcastle and
she quickly gave my passport back. I thought as soon as I said Newcastle she was leaving her booth running
for the hills. Anyway, I headed up the escalators and straight into the small
departure lounge. It looked really busy too as at times I had to dodge around
to get to places. The first place I went into was duty free being welcomed by
the strong aroma of perfume as I browsed the shop admiring the large sized
drinks, cigarettes and confectionary. I got bored at that as well so I left not
getting anything. I checked the time and I still had about 30 minutes before
the gate was open so I scanned the whole lounge to find a seat but it was jam
packed. However, I managed to find a seat right at the back end next to the
windows so I manoeuvred around people heading for that spot and then sat down.
There
wasn’t much of a view from the windows to be honest as there were trees
scattered along the windows but there were small gaps in between where I could
just make out planes coming in and taking off. The noise of the planes taking
off was deafening and freaked quite a few people out. It was night time at this
point so I knew I wouldn’t get to see much from the plane on the journey home.
Since I was waiting for the gate to open I sat playing on games on my tablet
trying to relieve the boredom; I just wanted to get home at this point due to
pretty much hanging around waiting all day for this moment.
Eventually
it was 9:15pm and everyone began to line up. Yet another miserable conga I was
lined up in began to slowly edge forward until finally it was my turn. I was
soon moved along heading down a squeaky set of metal stairs and straight onto a
bus. I was amongst the last to get on the first bus and there were times people
were getting too close for comfort. We were off heading for the plane swinging
around in the back like a pig in a butchers van and then we shortly arrived at
the plane. My heart began thumping hard at this point knowing I would be up in
the air pretty soon. We all got out and it was a mad rush to get on the plane.
I was thinking what was the point in rushing the plane wasn’t going anywhere
without anyone? I reluctantly climbed the stairs as I was greeted by the cabin
crew heading for my seat. I was sitting at the window this time which was great
for me and once I sat down, I looked out of my window and noticed I was right
over the wing blocking some of the view. I was going to ask the cabin crew if
they could take it off so I could get a better view but I think we needed it.
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| My View |
Anyway,
everyone was present and accounted for as the cabin crew closed the doors for
our departure. At the front of the cabin I noticed there was mist coming out of
the sides of the cabin and I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what it
was. I thought there was a problem with the plane but as we got under way to the
runway, the captain came over the tannoy stating that it was part of the air
conditioning as it was very warm which reassured me everything was fine; no
doubt I probably wasn’t the only one worrying. We were heading to the west end
of the runway taking off towards the east and it didn’t take us long to get
there. There was no waiting around for the planes coming in or going out so as
soon as we straightened up, down went the throttle with the familiar feeling of
adrenaline as the plane became faster and faster. I was a lot more confident
with looking out of the plane whilst taking off and all of a sudden we were off
the ground gaining height.
We
took a sharp turn right heading north west all the way home and I was still
looking out of the window trying to make out the patches of light scattered
along the ground. The plane was steady and moving fast so I sat back listening
to my music thinking about home and my family. Not long after we took off the
captain came on the tannoy again stating that we were flying towards northern Italy and
making great time. He also said that on the left hand side was Venice down below. I was constantly looking
out of the window to try and make it out but I couldn’t see it so I just took
his word for it. We were cruising along nice and steadily flying over Austria and Germany and as I looked out of my
window again, I was lost for words when I witnessed a bright shining full moon
behind us illuminating the clouds below us whilst slowly moving passed us. It
felt like a fantasy world but then the next big thing coming would be
unsettling.
I
was not sure if we were flying towards Northern France or Southern England but
as I looked out of my window to the far North
West, this almighty light display was happening which
put the fear of god in me. It was a huge thunderstorm and as we closed in I
could see orange flashes of light billowing out and spreading across the clouds
like the 4th July. I couldn’t keep my eyes from it but I knew deep
down we were well away from the danger. It freaked me out when the pilot
decided to bank left and I was thinking don’t go that way you fool. We had
thankfully passed the storm feeling so relieved and as it was my first time
witnessing a storm whilst being in a plane, the only way I could describe it
would be a spectacle of horrifying beauty.
A
moment later the captain came onto the tannoy stating we had 25 minutes left
until we would arrive back at Newcastle
as he was beginning to descend. As I was looking out of the window I couldn’t
see the ground as we were heading through the clouds resulting in the plane
getting shuck around slightly. Then all of a sudden I could see large patches
of light from towns and cities slowly appear when we came closer to the ground.
I was trying to make out where we were trying to find Newcastle or the coastline coming in but I
couldn’t. What I did see though was the runway shining with red lights which
was our destination. The pilot took a sharp turn left and then rapidly slowed
the plane down as the wheels came down too. We were getting closer to the
ground and suddenly we had landed perfectly with the pilot hitting the brakes
coming to a steady pace; we arrived safely and it was so surreal returning to Newcastle.
I
was the last to get off the plane as everyone was trying to get off at once. I
headed straight into the airport taking the long straight corridor to passport
control; after having my passport scanned and checked, I was soon leaving
heading for my rucksack. There were already a lot of people waiting as the belt
began to move. The bags started arriving and I was like a little child at the
sight of sweets when my rucksack was coming around the corner. I grabbed it
forgetting how heavy it was and made my way to the exit. Yet again I had a big
smile on my face realising that I was back. I was about to grab my phone and
ring my grandparents until I looked to my right and there they were sitting
waiting for me.
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| Newcastle Airport |
I
was surprised yet happy to see them as they were of me when I walked over to
them; we were soon leaving the airport for the car park. Once I got outside, I
could immediately feel the cold and it felt as though it was winter after being
in such a hot country. We got in the car heading for home sharing stories about
my journey. It passed the time as we were already approaching home. All along
the way I experienced weird surreal moments realising I was back and preparing
myself to see my family. We turned the corner going along the straight bit of
road witnessing the outside light at the front door always thinking of it as a
beacon home. As I got closer I could see my mother in the upstairs bedroom
looking out for me. I could see she was rushing out of the room to open the
door. We parked up with me grabbing my bags and as I looked at the front door;
my parents were standing there smiling as it was just after midnight. My mother
had a hold of Smudge and as soon as she let her go, she come racing down
towards me overwhelmed with excitement to see me. I thanked my grandparents for
picking me up at such a late time and we said our goodbyes. I shut the door
behind me telling my parents of my stories. We spoke for a good hour and it was
about 1am so I finally headed for my room lying flat on my soft comfy bed like starfish
thinking about my journey.
It
was full of adventure and discovery as I went into Croatia not knowing what to expect.
I found it hard to love at first but once I expanded my exploration, it turned
out to be a place of tranquil beauty and the feeling of freedom whilst being
out at sea. I thought that Croatia
didn’t have something to live up for as Italy
with there Ferraris, food and culture; it felt as though Croatia was
just laid back and chilled which I loved. Bosnia was a real gem too with so
much history unravelled on a single trip. The best way I could think of Croatia’s Dalmatia
coast would be that it was the Caribbean of Europe; a truly fascinating place.
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| Caribbean of Europe |
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